Changes in plasma sclerostin level associated with use of a medium cut-off dialyzer in end-stage renal disease

Background@#Larger middle molecules are important substances associated with cardiovascular complications in end- stage renal disease. Unfortunately, larger middle molecules are not reliably removed by a high-flux dialyzer. A medium cut-off (MCO) membrane could effectively remove larger middle molecules. This study aimed to identify the long -term effect of the MCO membrane for changes of larger middle molecules. @*Methods@#Thirty-four patients were prospectively analyzed for 12 months. The enrolled patients were divided into control and MCO groups. We measured the plasma levels of growth differentiation factor 15, sclerostin, and fibroblast growth factor 23 in larger middle molecules and those of biomarkers including small solutes. Single-pool Kt/V (spKt/V) and reduction ratios also were evaluated. @*Results@#Plasma sclerostin did not increase significantly in patients using the MCO dialyzer (135.3 [–637.7 to 908.3], p = 0.715). And there was a significant difference in change of plasma sclerostin level between the two groups (–1,646.9 [–3,015.2 to –278.7], p = 0.033). Furthermore, a negative association between calcium and sclerostin was not observed in the MCO group (r = –0.142, p = 0.587). Solute clearance of larger middle molecules in the MCO group was significantly higher. Moreover, spKt/V values for patients in the MCO group were significantly increased without albumin loss. Values are presented as mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) or adjusted mean (95% CI). @*Conclusion@#The MCO dialyzer can increase dialytic adequacy and suppress the increase in plasma sclerostin level without significant albumin loss in patients with end-stage renal disease.

Changes in plasma sclerostin level associated with use of a medium cut-off dialyzer in end-stage renal disease

Background@#Larger middle molecules are important substances associated with cardiovascular complications in end- stage renal disease. Unfortunately, larger middle molecules are not reliably removed by a high-flux dialyzer. A medium cut-off (MCO) membrane could effectively remove larger middle molecules. This study aimed to identify the long -term effect of the MCO membrane for changes of larger middle molecules. @*Methods@#Thirty-four patients were prospectively analyzed for 12 months. The enrolled patients were divided into control and MCO groups. We measured the plasma levels of growth differentiation factor 15, sclerostin, and fibroblast growth factor 23 in larger middle molecules and those of biomarkers including small solutes. Single-pool Kt/V (spKt/V) and reduction ratios also were evaluated. @*Results@#Plasma sclerostin did not increase significantly in patients using the MCO dialyzer (135.3 [–637.7 to 908.3], p = 0.715). And there was a significant difference in change of plasma sclerostin level between the two groups (–1,646.9 [–3,015.2 to –278.7], p = 0.033). Furthermore, a negative association between calcium and sclerostin was not observed in the MCO group (r = –0.142, p = 0.587). Solute clearance of larger middle molecules in the MCO group was significantly higher. Moreover, spKt/V values for patients in the MCO group were significantly increased without albumin loss. Values are presented as mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) or adjusted mean (95% CI). @*Conclusion@#The MCO dialyzer can increase dialytic adequacy and suppress the increase in plasma sclerostin level without significant albumin loss in patients with end-stage renal disease.

Obturator hernia in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

No abstract available.

Human CD36 overexpression in renal tubules accelerates the progression of renal diseases in a mouse model of folic acid-induced acute kidney injury

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a risk factor for progression to chronic kidney disease, with even subclinical AKI episodes progressing to chronic kidney disease. Several risk factors such as preexisting kidney disease, hyperglycemia, and hypertension may aggravate renal disease after AKI. However, mechanisms underlying the progression of AKI are still unclear. This study identified the effect of human cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) overexpression on the progression of folic acid-induced AKI. METHODS: Pax8–rtTA/tetracycline response element–human CD36 transgenic mice were used to elucidate the effect of human CD36 overexpression in the proximal tubules on folic acid-induced AKI. RESULTS: Results of histological analysis showed severely dilated tubules with casts and albuminuria in folic acid-treated transgenic mice overexpressing human CD36 compared with folic acid-treated wild-type mice. In addition, analysis of mRNA expression showed a significant increase in the collagen 3a1 gene in folic acid-treated transgenic mice overexpressing human CD 36 compared with folic acid-treated wild type mice. CONCLUSION: Human CD36-overexpressing transgenic mice showed severe pathological changes and albuminuria compared with wild-type mice. Moreover, mRNA expression of the collagen 3a1 gene increased in folic acid-treated transgenic mice. These results suggest that human CD36 overexpression is a risk factor of AKI and its progression to chronic kidney disease.

Minimal Change Disease Associated with Ingestion of Poison Sumac / 전남의대학술지

No abstract available.

Staphylococcal infection-associated crescentic immunoglobulin A nephropathy

No abstract available.

Effects of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Polymorphism on Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-Products in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) exert various toxic effects through the receptor for AGEs (RAGE). Soluble RAGE (sRAGE) is a naturally occurring inhibitor of AGE-RAGE. Recent studies have suggested that inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) reduces the accumulation of AGEs in diabetes partly by increasing the production and secretion of sRAGE into the plasma. This report describes the relationship between sRAGE and ACE polymorphism in maintenance hemodialysis patients. METHODS: The levels of sRAGE and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and ACE polymorphism was detected by PCR amplification. RESULTS: The distributions of ACE genotypes in 105 hemodialysis patients were as follows: II, 56 (35.9%); ID, 29 (18.6%); and DD, 20 (12.8%). According to the ACE genotypes, the study group consisted of II (n = 56) and ID + DD group (n = 49). sRAGE was correlated with age (r = -0.24; p = 0.013). There were significant differences in sRAGE, AOPP, age, duration of dialysis, C-reactive protein, or 24-h urine volume between two genotype groups. There were no significant differences in sRAGE levels, even though the effect of age was treated as a covariate. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested that sRAGE may be affected only by age, and not by ACE polymorphism in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

Effects of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Polymorphism on Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-Products in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) exert various toxic effects through the receptor for AGEs (RAGE). Soluble RAGE (sRAGE) is a naturally occurring inhibitor of AGE-RAGE. Recent studies have suggested that inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) reduces the accumulation of AGEs in diabetes partly by increasing the production and secretion of sRAGE into the plasma. This report describes the relationship between sRAGE and ACE polymorphism in maintenance hemodialysis patients. METHODS: The levels of sRAGE and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and ACE polymorphism was detected by PCR amplification. RESULTS: The distributions of ACE genotypes in 105 hemodialysis patients were as follows: II, 56 (35.9%); ID, 29 (18.6%); and DD, 20 (12.8%). According to the ACE genotypes, the study group consisted of II (n = 56) and ID + DD group (n = 49). sRAGE was correlated with age (r = -0.24; p = 0.013). There were significant differences in sRAGE, AOPP, age, duration of dialysis, C-reactive protein, or 24-h urine volume between two genotype groups. There were no significant differences in sRAGE levels, even though the effect of age was treated as a covariate. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested that sRAGE may be affected only by age, and not by ACE polymorphism in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

Cyclophosphamide-induced Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in a Patient with Lupus Nephritis

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a neurologic condition characterized by vasogenic edema on neuroimaging and is associated with the setting of severe hypertension, eclampsia, autoimmune disease, malignancy, and immunosuppressive drugs. We report on a 42 year-old female systemic lupus erythematous patient who presented altered consciousness, seizure, and visual disturbance after cyclophosphamide pulse therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed multi-focal high signal intensity lesions in the parieto-occipital cortex bilaterally and in the subcortical white matter. Her condition was improved and her MRI lesions were resolved after aggressive blood pressure control and high-dose steroid treatment. It is possibly the first reported case of PRES in a patient with lupus, treated with cyclophosphamide pulse therapy during a nephritis flare in Korea.

Dual-Energy CT as a New Diagnostic Tool for Gout

Gout is the most common crystal-associated arthropathy. Gout is caused by deposition of monosodium urate crystals within the joints, and it is often associated with hyperuricemia. Acute gout involves the first metatarsophalangeal joint (podagra) in approximately 50% of cases and its peak incidence occurs in middle age. Although the clinical features can help with making the diagnosis of gout, many inflammatory diseases such as cellulitis, pseudogout and septic arthritis can mimic or coexist with it. The definitive diagnosis requires polarized light microscopy of the fluid aspirated from the involved joint and this shows needle-shaped, negative birefringent monosodium urate crystals. However, joint aspiration can be technically difficult, and none of the conventional imaging modalities for gout specifically identifies the chemical composition of uric acid. The advent of Dual-Energy CT (DECT) is a noninvasive method that has the potential to confirm gout and monitor the response to treatment. DECT scan can show monosodium urate deposition by using color coding. The authors performed DECT scans for detecting uric acid deposition and confirming the gout noninvasively.

The Factors Influencing Level of Advanced Oxidation Protein Products (AOPP) in Hemodialysis Patients / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE: Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) has long been considered as a useful marker to estimate oxidative stress in the hemodialysis (HD) patients. However, it has not been clarified what clinical factors can affect the plasma level of AOPP in the HD patients. Based on these, We investigated the correlation between plasma AOPP level and clinical factor, known to be associated with oxidative stress, in the maintenance HD patients. METHODS: Two groups (50 of normal healthy persons and 105 of stable HD patients) were independently subjected in this study, and statistical correlation between plasma AOPP level and several clinical factors were analyzed. RESULTS: Plasma level of AOPP in the maintenance HD patients were higher than those in normal healthy group (52.11+/-16.08 micrometerol/L vs. 40.25+/-12.23 micrometerol/L, p<0.001). Plasma AOPP level of maintenance HD patients were significantly correlated with duration of hemodialysis, MDRD-GFR and daily urine volume. However, plasma level of AOPP in the maintenance HD patients were not affected by sex, diabetes, smoking, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers, and those were not correlated with age, CRP and serum ferritin. It was demonstrated by multiple regression analysis that daily urine volume was the most important clinical factor which could affect the plasma level of AOPP (beta=-0.255, p=0.017). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that maintenance of daily urine volume is likely to be critical to reduce oxidative stress in the maintenance HD patients.

A Case of Chylothorax Associated with Idiopathic Stenosis of Left Subclavian Vein in a Patient Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis / 대한신장학회지

Chylothorax is defined as the accumulation of chyle-containing lymphatic fluid within the pleural space. The causes of chylothorax are various and usually attributable to 1 of 4 categories: malignancy, trauma (including surgery), miscellaneous disorders, and idiopathy. Occurrence of chylothorax in patients on hemodialysis is very uncommon and it may have resulted from multiple iatrogenic vascular trauma conducive to venous thrombosis and stenosis when hemodialysis catheters required frequent changes or long term indwelling. Local thrombosis and stenosis may increase the venous hydrostatic pressure and hinder the discharge of thoracic duct lymph into the venous system. Hence, chylous lymphatic fluid leak into the pleural space. Treatment of chylothorax may range from nonoperative management to elective surgery. We report a case of a patient on hemodialysis who developed chylothorax secondary to a subclavian vein stenosis without any other symptoms such as arm edema and successfully treated with nonoperative management.

Clinical Characteristics of Renal Insufficiency Patients with Clostridium difficile-Associated Pseudomembranous Colitis / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE:Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) is a potentially life-threatening illness which has been shown to be more common and more severe in patient with chronic renal failure. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical characteristics of renal insufficiency patients with clostridium difficile-associated pseudomembranous colitis. METHODS:We reviewed charts of fifty-six patients with clostridium difficile-associated pseudomembranous colitis, who have clostridial toxin A assay in stool and a diagnosis made on histology of colonic biopsies. RESULTS:There was no difference in age, serum albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP) and negative incidence of clostridial toxin A between patients who had renal insufficiency with serum creatinine more than 1.5 mg/dL and those who did not. But duration of antibiotic use administered prior to development of the clostridium difficile infection was more shorter in patients with impaired renal function than in patients with normal renal function. CONCLUSION:These data suggest that it may take a short period to development of the clostridium difficile infection in patients with impaired renal function, and histologic evaluation by sigmoidoscopy should be performed to make a diagnosis in CDAD-suggested patients, who have impaired renal function and even negative clostridial toxin A.

Cerebral sinovenous thrombosis associated with nephrotic syndrome / 대한내과학회지

Nephrotic syndrome is associated with proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, edema, hyperlipidemia, and thromboembolic complications. Thromboembolic complications of nephrotic syndrome are common, especially in the renal vein, while cerebral venous thrombosis is a less frequent complication of minimal change nephrotic syndrome. The pathophysiology remains unclear, but various changes in coagulant and anticoagulant factors may be responsible. We report a case of cerebral venous thrombosis associated with nephrotic syndrome. A 19-year-old man was admitted with a headache and nausea. Cerebral thrombosis was diagnosed on brain computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. He recovered gradually after treatment with anticoagulants and achieved control of the nephrotic syndrome. A discussion of this case, coupled with a review of the literature, emphasizes that an early diagnosis is essential for anticoagulation therapy and a successful outcome.

Spontaneous fracture of a silicone peritoneal catheter / 대한내과학회지

Major peritoneal catheter-related complications include pericatheter leaks, outflow failure, and infection of the exit site or tunnel. We experienced a rare spontaneous fracture of a silicone peritoneal catheter. A 39-year-old man undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) developed peripheral edema and peritoneal outflow failure. He had no signs of exit-site infection, trauma, or peritonitis. The kidney-ureter-bladder radiograph suggested a fractured peritoneal catheter. We removed the catheter in an emergency operation and inserted a new peritoneal catheter. No obvious reason could explain why the catheter had broken, although the patient's nephew was known to frequently jump on his abdomen Based on this case, mechanical stress should be avoided in CAPD patients with increased intra-abdominal pressure.

A case of delayed perirenal hematoma after percutaneous renal biopsy / 대한내과학회지

Percutaneous renal biopsy is essential in the diagnosis of renal parenchymal disease, providing diagnostic and prognostic information to nephrologists. Percutaneous renal biopsy is considered to be a relatively safe procedure, and catastrophic complications are rare. The post-biopsy care of patients typically consists of bed rest and observation for 24 hours. Additionally, recent reports have suggested that most complications after percutaneous renal biopsy are apparent within 24 hours; however, perinephric hematomas have been demonstrated at 24 to 72 hours after percutaneous renal biopsy in over 90% of cases. We report an unusual case of delayed perirenal hematoma that occurred 5 days after percutaneous renal biopsy.

A Case of Newly Detected Ectopic Mediastinal Parathyroid Gland in Chronic Renal Failure Patient after Parathyroidectomy / 대한신장학회지

Hyperparathyroidism is one of the most serious complications for hemodialysis patients. Parathyroidectomy is indicated in patients with severe hyperparathyroidsm refractory to medical treatment. An 39- year-old man who were maintained by hemodialysis underwent parathyroidectomy due to tertiary hyperparathyroidism. The level of intact PTH fell after parathyroidectomy but subsequently rose. We checked up the parathyroid gland by MIBI scan and CT. As a result, a mass was found in the anterior mediastinum. So it is important to suspect the ectopic parathyroid gland when the PTH level elevation is persistent after parathyroidectomy in chronic renal failure patient.

A Case of Acute Interstitial Nephritis Complicated with Continuous Rifampin Therapy / 대한신장학회지

Acute renal failure caused by rifampin typically occurs on intermittent administration or reintroduction of the drug. However, acute kidney injury (AKI) due to rifampin has been rarely reported to occur in patients receiving a continuous rifampin therapy. We have experienced a case of acute interstitial nephritis during the first course of standard anti-tuberculous therapy, including continuous rifampin therapy in daily dose. Forty-five-year-old male, who had been being treated with anti-tuberculous medication including rifampin (600 mg/day), was admitted to our hospital because of generalized edema and dyspnea by acute renal failure. His past medical history was unremarkable. Since the creatinine level was still elevated in 10 days after cessation of rifampin, we performed renal biopsy. The renal pathologic findings revealed acute interstitial nephritis. After that, the patient symptom was relieved and serum creatinine level was decreased without specific therapy. The renal function was recovered at 1 month after withdrawal of rifampin. We report a case of acute interstitial nephritis complicated with the first daily rifampin therapy, along with the review of literature.

A Case of Sub-acute Bacterial Endocarditis associated with a Positive ANCA Serology / 대한신장학회지

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) directed against either proteinase-3 or myeloperoxidase are associated with a limited group of small vessel vasculitic syndromes. C-ANCA is regarded as highly specific for idiopathic ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). However, C-ANCA is not specific for Wegeners granulomatosis and has been reported in the course of a variety of infectious conditions. Sub-acute bacterial endocarditis is a notable concern because it may be associated with C-ANCA. The misdiagnosis of bacterial endocarditis as AAV and the administration of immunosuppressive treatment could aggravate the infection. We describe a patient with sub-acute bacterial endocarditis who presented with features mimicking vasculitis and positive C-ANCA by indirect immunofluorescence and for anti-PR3 antibodies by antigen-specific ELISA.

TGF-beta1-induced PINCH-1-ILK-alpha-parvin complex formation regulates mesangial cell proliferation and hypertrophy

TGF-beta1-induced glomerular mesangial cell (GMC) injury is a prominent characteristic of renal pathology in several kidney diseases, and a ternary protein complex consisting of PINCH-1, integrin-linked kinase (ILK) and alpha-parvin plays a pivotal role in the regulation of cell behavior such as cell proliferation and hypertrophy. We report here that PINCH-1-ILK-alpha-parvin (PIP) complex regulates the TGF-beta1-induced cell proliferation and hypertrophy in cultured rat GMCs. When GMCs were treated with TGF-beta1 for 1, 2 and 3 days, the PIP complex formation was up-regulated after 1 day, but it was down-regulated on day 2. Cell numbers were significantly elevated on day 2, but dramatically decreased on day 3. In contrast, a significant increase in cellular protein contents was observed 3 days after TGF-beta1-treatment. TGF-beta1 induced early increase of caspase-3 activity. In GMCs incubated with TGF-beta1 for 2 days, cytosolic expression of p27(Kip1) was dramatically reduced, but its nuclear expression was remarkably elevated. A significantly decreased expression of phospho-Akt (Ser 473) was observed in the cells treated with TGF-beta1 for 1 day. TGF-beta1 induced early increase of phospho-p27(Kip1) (Thr 157) expression with subsequent decrease, and similar responses to TGF-beta1 were observed in the p38 phosphorylation (Thr 180/Thr 182). Taken together, TGF-beta1 differently regulates the PIP complex formation of GMCs in an incubation period-dependant fashion. The TGF-beta1-induced up- and down-regulation of the PIP complex formation likely contributes to the pleiotropic effects of TGF-beta1 on mesangial cell proliferation and hypertrophy through cellular localization of p27(Kip1) and alteration of Akt and p38 phosphorylation. TGF-beta1-induced alteration of the PIP complex formation may be importantly implicated in the development and progression of glomerular failure shown in several kidney diseases.